Rabat – The head of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has said that there is “no guarantee” that head coach of Morocco’s national football team Herve Renard will stay with the Atlas Lions after the 2019 African Cup of Nations (CAN).

Lekjaa commented on the rumors of Reneard’s imminent departure from his position as Moroccan coach in a radio broadcast aired on Radio Mars on Tuesday.

Lekjaa said that Renard’s future depends on the results obtained in off an official competition, suggesting that Morocco’s performance at CAN will have a definitive bearing on Renard’s Moroccan adventure.

The FRMF chairman added that after each competition, both parties should make a point “before moving forward.”

During the interview, Lekjaa also expressed satisfaction with the latest performances of the Atlas Lions, emphasizing that they have the wherewithal to win CAN 2019.

The Atlas Lions will start preparation for the CAN starting June 3rd.

Lekjaa’s comments on Herve Renard followed a sea of rumors that the coach will leave after the continental competition, which will take place in June in Egypt.

On Tuesday, French sports news outlet L’Equipequoted reported that Renard will leave after the massive tournament.

This is not the first time w that such rumors surround Renard’s future with the Moroccan squad. Last year, Lekjaa denied the rumors about Renard’s possible exit.

Renard also attempted to shut down the rumors.

“Some people talk about my future in the media to sow trouble in the Moroccan spirit and if it’s still a little too early to know what will be done, one thing is certain: Out of respect for Morocco and all Moroccans I will not leave in any way for another African nation regardless of it. Those who claim so are wrong,” Renard wrote on Instagram.

Renard, a French national, has been coach of the Moroccan team since 2016. Previously, he coached Côte d’Ivoire (2014-2015) and Zambia (2011-2013), with whom he won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.